9. Evidence of a Thankful Heart (Colossians 3:15-17)
Day One Study
1. Read Colossians 3:1-17. What main ideas are stressed in these verses?
2. What questions come to mind as you read the passage?
3. Looking specifically at Colossians 3:15-17, define the peace of Christ, supporting your definition with Scripture. (Use the cross-references in your Bible, the concordance in the back if you have one or an online source such as .)
4. What do the following verses teach about being at peace with others?
· John 14:27—
· Romans 14:19—
· 1 Peter 3:11—
Focus on the Meaning: NIV Study Bible note says the Greek word translated “rule” means literally to “function like an umpire.” When Christians need to make choices, the peace that Christ produces in our hearts should be a determining factor. We should choose what would result in peace between us and God, and between us and one another, if such a course of action lies within God’s moral will. (NIV Study Bible, p. 1817; Constable’s Notes on Colossians, p. 43)
5. Staying Healthy: Are you letting the peace of God rule in your heart?
· Do you have a relationship with another believer that is NOT at peace? Is it your position that is breaking the peace? How could a firm grasp of Colossians 3:12-14 encourage you to take steps toward establishing peace with this person?
· Describe a scenario when you did let the peace of Christ act as an “umpire” in a relationship.
6. What do you think it means to let the word of Christ dwell in your richly?
Scriptural Insight: “It has often been noticed that the Colossian passage is parallel with Ephesians 5:18-20. In the latter passage the hymns and songs are the outgrowth of the filling of the Spirit, while in Colossians they are the result of the deep assimilation of the Word of God. In other words, the Word-filled Christian is a Spirit-filled Christian, and the examination of the two passages would save us from a great deal of error on this subject. Undisciplined emphasis on the Holy Spirit is accompanied too frequently by shallow grounding in the Word of God.” (Constable’s Notes on Colossians, p. 44)
7. Look up the following scriptures. What do you learn about the word of Christ from each? Feel free to add others to the list. Summarize what you learn.
· Mark 13:31—
· Luke 4:22—
· Luke 4:32—
· John 6:63—
· John 6:68—
· John 7:46—
· John 12:48—
· John 14:24—
· Other verses—
Think About It: Christ’s words were recorded by Spirit-guided apostles (John 14:26; 16:13; 20:31). The words of the Bible, God’s written Words, are to dwell in believers. That is, by study, meditation, and application of the Word, it becomes a permanent abiding part of one’s life.” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, p. 682)
8. Define the words:
9. What do you think is needed in order to teach or admonish one another in wisdom?
10. Staying Healthy: In what ways do you prepare yourself to be able to teach the word of Christ to others? How can you improve in your preparation to teach?
11. Staying Healthy: Admonishing someone involves risk in a relationship. Do you shy away from admonishing others because of fear of rejection or loss of relationship? How could a firm grasp of Colossians 3:12-14 encourage you to admonish others from the word of Christ?
Day Two Study
12. Read Colossians 3:15-17. What attitude is mentioned three times in vv. 15-17?
13. Why do you think it is stressed so much in Scripture? See also Colossians 1:12; 2:7; Ephesians 5:20 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Think About It: An attitude of gratitude contributes to an enjoyment of spiritual tranquility, whereas grumbling makes for inner agitation. Do you agree or disagree?
14. Discuss the connection between singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and having gratitude (literally “grace”) in your hearts (i.e., understanding God’s grace towards you).
15. Staying Healthy: What is your attitude towards the life that God has given you? Are you giving thanks? If not, why not? Ask someone to pray for you this week to remember often to be grateful.
16. Colossians 3:17 commands us to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. What does that mean and how would you teach or admonish a fellow Christian to live this way?
Focus on the Meaning: The basic principle, as opposed to a set of specific rules, is this. We should say all words and practice all deeds in harmony with the revelation of Jesus Christ, namely, under His authority and as His followers. The “name” comprehends everything revealed and known about the person bearing the name. Moreover we are to do all with thanksgiving to God. (Constable’s Notes on Colossians, p. 45)
17. Staying Healthy: Paul’s admonition of the truth in Colossians 3:17 can change your attitude concerning unpleasant duties and demands made upon you. Apply this to the one thing that really makes your blood boil or curdle.
18. Staying Healthy: Let the gratitude in your hearts overflow as you worship Christ with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Spend at least 5 minutes to read, journal, sing, listen to, or use any other creative means to express your favorite psalm, hymn, or spiritual song.
Jesus Christ is above all powers and authorities, in all believers, and is all we need for earth and heaven!!